Life is unpredictable. Accidents happen. Sickness strikes at sometimes the most inopportune time. Even with careful management, disaster can derail a family’s security and livelihood.

Currently there are numerous skilled workers without adequate paying employment. They sink deeper into debt no matter how hard they try nor their level of education.

We hear about imminent layoffs and strikes on a daily basis. But, there is hope out there. Just about as often I hear from neighbors and friends who are getting wind of the new grants being offered by our government that are created to relieve their difficulties.

It is very disheartening to learn about a father who has given up hope after spending his lifetime working to provide for his family, and still finds himself drowning in debt. There is a big push to help impoverished individuals and small businesses avoid losing their homes or folding.

The state and federal governments are offering help for many downtrodden individuals and families. It is a matter of getting the word out to these people so they can get started on a more positive path. No one likes to feel helpless.

Any US citizen over the age of eighteen can apply for one of these government grants. Best of all, these grants do not have to be paid back unlike a bank loan.

Additionally, consultation organizations have been set up to help individuals or families learn how to manage their debts. Grants are available for single mothers to further their education so they can better provide for themselves and their families.

Hopefully this humbling time in our country’s history will teach us to reach out and help each other in times of need. Unfortunately there are still many in our country that have so much but they are unwilling to help the poor. Our government is acting as that agent in the meantime.

Unfortunately there are those who would benefit from the disadvantages of others. There are many scams on the Internet and in the mail offering grant money. These scammers ask for personal information, which they use in illegal ways. It is very important that the general public is warned of these scams.

With the proper help, college students, single mothers, minorities, small businesses and more can apply for government grants that will give them a second chance in this difficult economy. Our government is assisting many who cannot help themselves.

At http://www.mygovernmentgrants.com it claims that women have the largest opportunity of any group to benefit from the Governments generosity! This money is set apart to help women start their own businesses or to get more schooling.

Continuous process improvement is a strategy employed by businesses to improve their product lines, make their processes more efficient and to improve customer satisfaction. Small businesses can employ continuous process improvements to quickly improve their businesses on an ongoing basis.

There is a term in the Japanese language called Kaizen, which means change for the better or improvement. The concept is fairly simple. Look at your products and processes on a daily basis and figure out what small steps you can take to make them better. The Japanese employed this strategy to improve the quality of their products and transition Japan into the industrial power it is today. Small business owners can use this same strategy to improve the quality of their products and grow their business.

The key to continuous process improvements is to take small steps everyday. Every business wants to do that one hugh thing that will excel their business to prominents. However, the real key to success is to put together a string of small improvements that will over time significantly improve their business.

Here are some practical ways a small business can employ the continuous process improvement strategy:

Take 10-minutes a day to brainstorm new business ideas. Try to be creative during this exercise and think outside the box. Consider brainstorming with a group of people so that you can get the best ideas on the table.

Create a quality improvement czar within your company that has the responsibility of identifying and managing continuous process improvements.

Focus on making small improvements on a daily basis. These small improvements will often lead to larger improvements over time.

Stick to your continuous process improvements even if you do not see any immediate results. It may take time for the results to show, so be patient.

Set up a continuous process improvement team for each major functional area and have them develop and implement new process improvement ideas.

Monitor your new processes on a regular basis and make adjustments when necessary.

Where can a small business find help in improving their business processes? There are many small business consultants that can assist in helping small businesses improve their performance. There is also a software program called Business Growth Expert that can help small businesses improve their performance. The software provides targeted business strategies and includes a daily process of reviewing business results, brainstorming new business ideas and documenting ongoing business activities. To get more information about Business Growth Expert, visit South Beach Software at:

The fate of the entire country of Japan was changed for the better by their businesses employing the concept of continuous process improvements. Small businesses can also change their fate using this simple but powerful concept. Businesses that focus on improving their products and processes on a daily basis can grow their revenue, improve customer service and increase profitability. Use these strategies to implement a continuous process improvement program for your small business today.

When starting out as a small business owner, finances can be tight. Advertising is a necessity, especially if you want your business to expand. However, advertising is generally expensive when it is gone about in the traditional methods. There is hope though! There are ways that you can advertise for free, even in a small town like Blackwell, Oklahoma.

One of the best methods of free advertising that can reach the highest volume of people is craigslist. Most people are familiar with craigslist, and it is always free to list. Since Blackwell doesn’t have a craigslist of their own, you have the option of choosing from any of the surrounding metropolitan areas such as Oklahoma City, Stillwater, or Tulsa.

Another method of free advertising in Blackwell is to hang up signs at the local gas stations and grocery stores. In larger towns, this might not be allowed. However, in Blackwell, you can usually find signs at nearly every store in town advertising things for sale, services available, small business promotions, and local events.

A unique method of free advertising in Blackwell, Oklahoma is word of mouth. Due to the fact that Blackwell is rather small, word travels quickly. This, of course, includes bad and good words, so be sure that the news about you traveling is good. Spend time getting to know the people that come into your shop so that they spend time talking to the people they know about you.

No matter which method of advertising you choose, it is obvious that even in a small town like Blackwell, free advertising is available. Free advertising is free in cost, but it is not free in time, so be sure to dedicate a decent amount of your time to advertising your business!

Never before has it been so easy to have your own startup company on eBay. The basic idea behind eBay is simple: Have a product, sell it and generate good customer feedback so that more people will come.

It sounds simple enough, but eBay is not a new business concept anymore. The other businesses (your competition) have gotten savvier when it comes to selling and the buyers are getting just as picky as regular customers in traditional brick and mortar stores. Thus, sloppiness will not garner you any respect on this online auction website.

Instead, the same rules that apply to traditional businesses apply online to eBay stores and sellers. This is why it is a good idea to possibly review a few startup tips so that you get off on the right foot. It does not matter if you intend to sell only a few items every now and then, or if you have grand plans to start your own business on eBay. The same tips will help you get from startup to success in no time.

First of all, if you want to sell on eBay, it is a good idea to figure out what you want to sell. People have a tendency to think that if they stick a picture of something online, people will bid on it and they will be able to make a large amount of money in less than two weeks. The truth is that you have got to be smarter about what you want to sell.

Ebay now has tools that allow you to do research on what items are selling well on Ebay as well as what prices they are currently selling for. It would be a good idea to review that information before deciding you want to sell something on eBay.

You need to think like business person and look at what the competition is selling and what they are doing. Many people use catchy photographs and headlines to get people to look at what they are selling. You will need to do the same.

Remember, while there are millions of buyers on eBay, there are also millions of sellers wanting to do the same thing as you.

Once you have narrowed your focus on what to sell, take a photo (against a white background is best). Do not attempt to clutter your photos with scenery and other distractions. It will not make your item more appealing than other people’s items.

To go with your photograph, you will need to write a catchy headline. Gimmicks such as exclamation points and all capital letters are unprofessional so do not use those. Also, remember that brevity is best. Be as concise as possible on your explanations of things while also being specific.

Bidding is not an exact science and neither is pricing, but many people suggest starting at 99 cents. Pricing is completely up to you and it may take a few trial sales before you get the hang of things.

In the end, being nice will get you far on eBay. Customer service is a must if you want people to think positively of your eBay business entity. Plus, if you are nice, you will get more feedback and other buyers will end up trusting you.

Starting a business is not as simple as a short column like this one. However, some of these basic tips are good starting off points to get you on your way to being an entrepreneur.

Like many professionals, Psychotherapist Leslie Janson of Golden’s Bridge, New York puts a large premium on serving her patients. The same goes for the commitment she gives to her family of four, which includes two teenage boys. In turn, like anyone, she needs a little “take” to counter all the “give” that empties the waters from her own pool of inspiration. “This kind of fills the well,” she says of her sewing hobby. And better yet, she’s found a way to turn her talents into a small business venture through a network of “indie” artisans that stretches the World (wide web) over.

Etsy.com easily allows independent crafts people to setup an online store front to display and sell their work without the hassles of an actual address. “They have a system that you just plug your information in to,” she says, and the buyers can then window-shop at the click of the nearest mouse.

At the moment, local word of mouth is directing her customers to the Etsy web address where they can find pillows that she reconfigures out of grain sacks or vintage handkerchiefs. Otherwise, with whatever shoppers have in mind – be it pillows or pottery – Etsy makes the searching simple. “There’s a giant list off all the categories,” she says in which they can shop by item, color, occasion, location, etc.

So far a little extra cushion created in her bank account isn’t bad but the chance to be connected to the Etsy online community is better. Consumers can access sellers like her and provide the kind of positive feedback that makes the craftsmanship worthwhile. “It’s kind of like you’re buying from or selling to somebody in Wisconsin but there’s a direct relationship,” she says.

The direct relationship also extends to and between the craft makers. In order to share information and build business relationships, Etsy members write blogs, subscribe to newsletters and join Etsy teams based on their trade or location. “The whole culture of Etsy is fascinating,” she says.

A culture, she says, that cares beyond the bottom line too. Recently, an Etsy member in Louisiana died in a car accident, and as the word got out, the community rallied through the website to raise money for the family.

For her own calling to goodwill, Ms. Janson has taken the small measure of success so far to have some impact on an organization called Women for Women. Operating around the world in war torn areas, a portion of all the items sold on her Ms. Janson’s Etsy store front will go to this organization that educates women to a level of self sufficiency.

All that aside, she thinks anyone who feels they possess the skills to interest others in their art should also buy into the Etsy society. That’s even if they fear they lack the technical aptitude to embark on something that sounds complicated but really isn’t. “If I could do it, anybody could do it,” she assures.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2009 the state of Virginia had an estimated population of almost 8,000,000 people. Although it is a small state, there is still enough people to support starting a small business in Virginia, especially if you live in one of the more populated cities in the state such a Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Arlington or Richmond. These top five most populated cities in Virginia each have more than 180,000 residents which makes for a substantial amount of potential customers for any business.

Decide what small business in Virginia you want to start. The best kind of business to start is one that you have a genuine interest for. Starting a company about a product or service you are passionate about will give you a better chance at success. Generally people who start a business in a field they are passionate about, tend to work harder and not see it as work but rather as a labor of love.

Secure a location for your business. Whether you are starting a home business or one where you need to lease space outside the home, securing a definite location for your business is imperative to your success. If it’s a home business, designate a specific room or area where you will conduct the day to day activities of running your business. If you need to lease space outside of the home, get connected with a Virginia real estate agent that can administer the process of securing a location for your business.

Obtain a business license for your business in Virginia. Depending on where you live in Virginia, you can get information from either your city or county government offices on how to acquire a business license. A representative from these offices will be able to point you to the right department. You will need to fill out a short application and submit it with an application fee.

Market your small business in Virginia. Pass out business cards, postcards and fliers with information about your business on them. Let family and friends no about your new business. Set up a website with your products or services on it to develop an internet presence for your company.

Creating a website design for law firms requires a high degree of professionalism. The online presence must communicate competence, experience, fortitude and caring. People searching for a lawyer are most likely already under a deal of strain. Following the five tips for professional website design for law firms can help make their search for representation easier.

Attorneys, being serious professionals, should not use circus or pastel colors on their websites. The most common professional colors for Internet use are blue, gray, and brown in all shades. Accent colors can be a sedate gold or burgundy. Using these colors gives the people looking for representation a comforting feeling that the law firm is competent and not an ‘ambulance chase’ type of business.

The general public does not understand ‘lawyer-speak.’ The text on the website for the law firm should be clear English that anyone can understand. Also avoid too much marketing language. There is a difference between trying to get people to hire a lawyer and selling a used car. The language should be professional and explanatory and not inflamatory.

Website Design for Law Firms – Information

The bulk of a law firm’s website must contain information. Of course, contact information is vital if you want to attract any clients. The names of the attorneys who work with the firm should be included, as well as where they received their law degrees and where they are licensed to practice.

A page of the website for the law firm should be dedicated to information about what type of cases it handles. Since many people don’t know the exact terms the courts use, or will not be able to determine which section of law their problem comes under, these must be listed according to problems clients may face: divorce, custody, bankruptcy or personal injury.

Website Design for Law Firms – Personality

Adding personality to a law firm website can help people searching four counsel to choose. Attorneys are often seen as impersonal forces who either protect you, or screw you over. The general public attitude is one of discomfort and slight distrust.

To overcome those feelings with a website, the law firm needs to add information about each lawyer and the overall way the business is run. Instead of simply informing a potential client that you handle divorces, include a sympathetic line or two about being knowledgeable about the difficulties they entail.

Website Design for Law Firms – Contact Information

Perhaps the most important aspect of website design for an attorneys group is the contact information. Besides including name, phone number, email address and physical address on the front page of the site, a contact page with an email form provides even more personal attention to those who may be interested in your services. Above all else, be sure to have live help to deal with contacts within 24 hours of receiving it.

First to understand the rules of netiquette you need to know what it is. Netiquette is the term for all the generally accepted rules of etiquette that are expected to be used while on the internet, or communicating on the internet. Netiquette isn’t used with friendly conversations amongst friends, but is used in more formal letters to other business men and women, and used while communicating with these men in business chats, etc. So, if you’re a business man or women then you should get to know these rules now, since a huge percentage of business is conducted online.

WHAT ARE THE RULES

Simple Rules. There are quite a lot of netiquette rules so I will only be filling you in on some of them. First, one of the most important is to watch how you type. If you are typing in all caps the person receiving the message could take your message offensively, or could think you’re mad or yelling. But this doesn’t mean type in all lower case letters either. Lowercase letters could be taken as not caring. You need to type as if the letter was a report with properly cased letters. Also, when replying to a question online, make sure you answer in a former way, using part of the original context of the question. This will make it so there is no confusion when multiple questions are asked. One wrong answer, even by accident could cause you to lose a business deal. Another big rule, that doesn’t apply to just business, but the entire internet is, be careful with what you say. Express your ideas clearly in posts and messages so that the message can’t be taken in any other way. These messages can all be forwarded and come back to haunt you, if you said the wrong thing, so just watch what you say. You don’t want one message ruining your whole career. These rules are some of the most important but more basic, so try to learn and use these. Read More

Many of us have been affected by the downward spiral of employment opportunities at some point over the past few years. It has been financially, mentally and physically draining on those directly impacted by this crisis. While, the employment rate seems to be slowly rising, it isn’t necessarily curing the fear of not having longevity in any place of employment.

When any person gets laid off from a job right now, there isn’t any security knowing that there will be another equally paying job waiting from them two weeks down the road. There’s not even a guaranty of a job a couple of months down the road. While unemployment benefits have been and are very helpful, they don’t pay a full salary or benefits, which can be a real hardship on most Americans. Unemployment benefits weren’t created to support a family, they were created as a bridge for those in between jobs for a few weeks period of time. Unfortunately, in today’s society, people are being forced to live off of the small checks they receive from the unemployment office making life very challenging. Read More